By: John Bassey, Zamfara.

Against the backdrop of the recent Democracy Day celebrations, the Governor of Zamfara state Dr. Dauda Lawal commended corps members for their contributions in strengthening the nation’s democracy through their participation in the conduct of elections.

The Governor gave the commendation on Monday while declaring open the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp in Gusau, Zamfara State.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Nasiru Galadima Kaura, Governor Lawal said the active involvement of corps members as adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has helped to enhance the credibility and transparency of the nation’s electoral process.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Governor urged those who will be part of the exercise to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and patriotism.

His words, “As the nation gradually prepares for the 2027 general elections, I call on those among you who may be selected to participate in the electoral process to discharge your responsibilities with diligence, integrity, patriotism and a strong sense of duty.

“Your conduct and commitment will contribute immensely to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections, as well as the continued peace, progress and development of our country,” he said.

Governor Lawal also congratulated the management of the NYSC on the occasion of its 53rd anniversary, describing the scheme as one of the most successful nation-building programmes in the country’s history.

He encouraged the corps members to make the most of the orientation course by participating actively in all camp activities and assured the NYSC of his administration’s continued support towards the attainment of the objectives of the Scheme.

Earlier, the NYSC Zamfara Coordinator, Mallam Muhammad Lawan Ahmed, had stated that the swearing-in ceremony is a key programme in the three week orientation exercise, which formally admits corps members and commits them to the ideals of the Scheme.

He urged the corps members to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the orientation course to develop their leadership qualities and acquire relevant skills that would prepare them for the service year and future challenges.

The Oath of Allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Zamfara State, Hon. Justice Kulu Aliyu, represented by Aishatu Jibrin, a Deputy Chief Registrar of the State High Court.

Highlight of the programme was an entertaining tug-of-war display involving male and female corps members.